A Dictionary of British Place-Names (Oxford Paperback Reference) [Paperback]

A. D. Mills (Author)

Book Description

Series: Oxford Paperback Reference | Publication Date: November 6, 2003

An expanded version of the best-selling Dictionary of English Place-Names, this dictionary now also covers Scottish, Welsh, and Irish place-names. From Abbas Combe to Zennor it gives the meaning and origin of over 15,000 British place-names.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`This is an essential reference book for every local historian's study, and at the price you can afford a second copy for the glove compartment or ruck-sack.' C P Lewis, Local History Magazine

`Review from previous edition Another volume for every local historian's bookshelf.' Local Historian

`a book which will prove to be an invaluable travelling companion' Landscape History

About the Author

A.D. Mills is Emeritus Reader in English, University of London, and is a member of the Council of English Place-Name Society and the Society for Name Studies in Britain and Ireland. His books include Dictionary of London Place Names (OUP, 2001).

Product Details

• Paperback: 582 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 6, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198527586
• ISBN-13: 978-0198527589
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,718,975 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #90 in Books > Education & Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > Geography

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A unique reference for place-names across the British Isles, November 11, 2009

By 

The Wanderer - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Dictionary of British Place-Names (Oxford Paperback Reference) (Paperback)

"A Dictionary of British Place-Names", compiled by A.D. Mills, is a unique resource for understanding the origins of place-names across the British Isles. Whereas many other place-name books are restricted to England or particular regions, Mills' scope is broad, extending to the whole of the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man and also the Channel Islands.

The book is organised alphabetically rather than by county or region, making it easily navigable, and includes more than 17,000 entries. It is not comprehensive, occasionally neglecting a few of the very smallest settlements, but for most practical purposes it will be sufficient. (Sadly many places which are now subsumed within Greater London have been omitted; these are detailed in the companion volume, "A Dictionary of London Place-names", also by A.D. Mills.) At the back is a glossary of common elements in place-names - an interesting addition - and there is also an extensive bibliography, covering particular regions or specialisations within place-name studies, as well as broader surveys on the interpretation and significance of place-names. This makes the book ideal as a foundation for delving into the subject in more detail.

Typically there are about 25 entries to every page, which means that not a lot of space is afforded to each one. Unfortunately this means that in many cases only the earliest attestation of a location is given. For example, in the case of London only its Roman name, 'Londinium', is given; the changes in spelling and meaning throughout the Anglo-Saxon period and beyond are not charted. This means that it is sometimes difficult to find the name relating to a particular period. In these cases it might be necessary to resort to a more detailed guide such as "The Cambridge Dictionary of English Place-Names". However, where a number of origins have been postulated for a particular place, it should be noted that Mills is careful to record them all.

Everything considered, "A Dictionary of British Place-Names" is an excellent reference, despite a few flaws. As someone currently writing a historical novel set in medieval England, I have found it tremendously useful.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not all that I wanted, September 21, 2010

By 

richard lottridge - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Dictionary of British Place-Names (Oxford Paperback Reference) (Paperback)

I want a dictionary that gives the pronounciation of English place names. This does not do that. Cites earliest mention of the location in historical documents.